Long-gone are the days when we had to juggle half a dozen programs and windows on a pokey 14in monitor. These days 17in screens are fast becoming the standard and, for anyone with a few extra quid to spare, a 20in model in which to maximise your windows is becoming an affordable option.

We say 20in because, of course, the Electron22blue label is sadly misleading. There may be 22ins of glass, but monitor convention means that the actual viewable area measures up at 2ins less.

Still, 20in of flat and crystal-clear screen makes a massive difference to the working environment. Flat only extends as far as the front of the monitor, though. Unlike the super-slim LCD models, this is a CRT monitor which means it stretches a long way back on your desk. That said, the deep blue casing is a pleasant change to the grey and beige of the standard PC monitor.

Monitors such as this are traditionally aimed at the high-end graphics user or for desktop publishing professionals. For that kind of task, the ability to work on large areas of a page or an illustration without constantly having to minimise, resize or close windows down can save hours of work and much grinding of teeth.

This design heritage shows in the rather natty blue hood that fits snugly around the face of the monitor - the idea being that when you have your monitor correctly colour-calibrated, ambient light from strip lights or windows won't distort your colour perception in any way.

Add the reflection-free surface of a millpond-flat surface and you are getting deep, true colour. Combine that with the pin-sharp flicker-free image refreshing at a standard 75Hz and the lack of curving and geometric distortion from the flat surface, and you have a screen that is easy to work on and painless on the eyeballs.

Contact LaCie 020 7872 8000